It was very warm today with temperatures above 80 °F (27 °C), as if we went from winter to summer, bypassing a fabled spring. I went out to Sayen Gardens for pictures of flowers and found a snake and a turtle.
Garter Snake being handled by a man.
The snake was caught near a pond by a man. He showed it to his son, explained that it was not venomous, then released it right after I took the above shot.
On a small island in the middle of the pond, a turtle was sunning itself. I am no expert, but I think it was a Diamondback Terrapin Turtle. If you can identify it, please let me know its correct name. Update: Eliza identified it as a Red-eared Slider, another kind of terrapin.
Red-eared Slider turtle.
neihtn 
Sunny days will bring out the turtles and reptiles to warm themselves up (just like us!). I’m pretty sure that isn’t a Diamondback Terrapin as their neck/head is spotted. It may be a Red-eared Slider (Trachemys scripta elegans), an introduced species to NJ.
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Thank you Eliza! I made the correction to the turtle name.
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Since we’re getting hit by yet another winter storm this weekend, it may be a while before I see snakes or turtles around here. I’m happy for you that your weather improved to the point where they made an appearance.
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Jerry, today’s temperature is abnormal. It’s going down tomorrow and next week will be more springlike. Hope it will get warmer soon where you are.
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Wow…you were in snow not long ago. Jumping to 80 degees is huge.
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And we are going back to the 40’s tomorrow. Crazy weather!
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Wow..very crazy. I loved the photos.
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